Cheap flights are now here, PM Modi inaugurates first UDAN flight

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the first UDAN flight under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. The Prime minister waived as the first flight under the scheme took off on Shimla-Delhi sector. The Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik is 'aimed at making air travel accessible to citizens in regionally important areas', the PMO said in a tweet.

"The aviation sector in India is filled with opportunities. Earlier aviation was considered to be the domain of a select few. That has changed now. We had the opportunity to frame a civil aviation policy, which caters to aspirations of the people of India," the Prime Minister said. He added that the scheme would boost tourism in Himachal Pradesh.

The PM also simultaneously flagged off UDAN flights on Nanded-Hyderabad and Kadapa-Hyderabad sectors. UDAN is the first-of-its-kind scheme globally to stimulate regional connectivity through a market-based mechanism. The scheme was a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy which was released on June 15, 2016. Under this scheme airfare for a 1-hour journey of an approximate 500 km on a fixed wing aircraft or for a 30-minute journey on a helicopter would be capped at Rs 2,500. Proportionate pricing will be ensured for routes of different stage lengths and flight duration.

OneIndia News